Summer in Orange County is nothing short of iconic, beach days that stretch into golden evenings, road trips down the coast, backyard barbecues, and dips in the pool to beat the heat. But while you’re soaking up the season, your jewelry may be silently suffering.
At The Jewelry Box Estate Buyers, we love seeing our clients enjoy their favorite pieces every day, but we also know how quickly summer fun can turn into jewelry damage. From bent prongs and dulled finishes to stones that mysteriously go missing after a swim, we’ve helped thousands of customers restore and protect their most treasured items with our expert jewelry repair services.
Before the season fades into fall, here’s what you need to know about the toll summer takes—and how to prevent damage before it happens.
Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling All Summer Long
Tips from Our Jewelry Experts
Activity Alert: Don’t Let Your Ring Take a Hit
Planning a hike in Laguna Canyon or a bike ride along the coast? Be sure to take off your rings before you go. Outdoor activities can expose your jewelry to impacts, pressure, and accidental hits that can bend bands or loosen stones, especially if your ring already needs tightening or resizing.
Heat & Humidity: Sweat Can Steal Your Shine
Sweaty skin and strong sun can accelerate tarnish on metals like silver and even 14K or 18K gold. After a long day outside, take a moment to wipe down your pieces with a soft, lint-free cloth. This simple habit helps extend their brilliance, and prevents buildup that can dull their natural glow.
Beach-Day Decisions: Choose the Right Gems
Heading to Huntington or Newport Beach? Not all jewelry is beach friendly. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are tough enough to handle a little sand and surf, but more delicate stones like opals, pearls, turquoise, and amethyst can scratch, cloud, or crack in harsh conditions. If you’re not sure what’s safe to wear, err on the side of caution and leave more delicate items at home.
Water Warning: Rings + Cold Water = Lost Jewelry
Ocean and pool water can shrink your fingers just enough for rings to slip off unnoticed. We’ve heard more than a few stories of sentimental pieces vanishing into the waves. Our tip? Always remove rings before swimming, and if your ring is already feeling a bit loose, bring it in for a resizing before your next trip.
Chemical Caution: Sunscreen, Chlorine, and Your Jewelry
Lotion and sunscreen may protect your skin, but they leave residue that builds up on metal and gemstones. Chlorine can erode finishes and weaken prongs over time. If your jewelry has been exposed to chemicals, give it a gentle clean at home, or bring it in for a professional cleaning and inspection to restore its sparkle.
Already Seeing Some Summer Damage? Let Us Help.
Maybe your bracelet got bent while paddle boarding. Or your engagement ring has lost a bit of its luster after daily sunscreen and beach time. Maybe you just want to make sure your heirloom pieces are still secure before fall wedding season begins. Whatever the issue, we’re here to help.
The Jewelry Box Estate Buyers provides trusted, high-quality jewelry repair services in Orange County with a personal touch. Our in-house team offers:
- Ring Resizing – Adjust for seasonal finger swelling or shrinkage
- Stone Tightening & Prong Re-tipping – Protect your gems from falling out
- Chain & Bracelet Soldering – Fix breaks and prevent future snags
- Clasp Replacement – Ensure your favorite necklaces stay securely fastened
- Polishing & Rhodium Dipping – Revive worn white gold and add a gleaming finish
- Complimentary Stone Checks & Cleanings – Peace of mind for your most meaningful pieces
Whether it’s a quick fix or a more involved restoration, we treat every piece with the same care and attention we would give our own.
The Trusted Name in Jewelry Repair – Right Here in Lake Forest
For over 23 years, we’ve served Orange County with honest advice, top-tier service, and a team of jewelry repair experts who are passionate about bringing your pieces back to life. And with no appointment necessary, it’s easier than ever to stop in and take care of your treasures before the season changes.
Let us take one thing off your plate this summer. We’ll handle the repairs, so you can get back to making memories.
